100 teachers fail to report for duty in Mzimba

About 100 teachers deployed to Mzimba South education district have not reported for duty.

Mzimba South, which is facing a shortage of teachers, is one of the worst performing education districts at primary school level. 

A number of schools were reported to have less than three qualified teachers last year such that 535 teachers were deployed to fill the gaps.

Mzimba South district education manager Fanwell Chiwowa confirmed on Wednesday that the district is still facing acute shortage after some teachers.

“After deployment of the teachers the numbers improved, but the challenge we have now is that some of them have found jobs elsewhere while others have gone for upgrading,” he said.

ActionAid Mzimba district coordinator Wongani Mugaba said there is need to increase the number of teachers in the district.

“Education is the key to a bright future. Children need to be given quality education and that entails having good schools, learning materials and enough teachers.

“As ActionAid, we complement government’s effort to ensure the learning environment is conducive for leaners and teachers,” he said.

Mzimba Solola former legislator Jacob Hara said he once raised the issue in Parliament and was assured that it would be addressed.